Learning to Improvise… Chapter 2

by Katherine

Ezra had gotten up at eleven. He didn’t really hate mornings, he just couldn’t understand the need to be up with the sun if he didn’t have to be. It wasn’t like he’d been assigned any duties that required getting up before he felt like it. He had been conditioned for most of his life to being awake when most others were ending the day.

Since it was usual for Chris to assign him the midnight to morning shift, Ezra didn’t typically get to bed until the sun was rising. And when he hadn’t been assigned that shift, it was usually 2 am before he retired to his room. Most of the time he would spend an hour or more reading. Last night there had been more interesting activities to engage in.

Ezra smiled at his reflection thinking about what happened when he had gotten back to his room. Sleep hadn’t been a high priority at the time. He shivered, remembering just how he and Vin had spent the wee hours of the morning.

Ezra took a deep breath, and then another. With the ease of long practice he controlled his emotions, and facial expression. The man looking back from the mirror wore a pleasantly bland expression, and appeared totally at ease. Better. It would not do to give away the game. Not yet. Not ever.

Satisfied that both his room and his appearance were once more in order, Ezra headed down stairs. He sauntered over to the restaurant. With any luck Vin would arrive soon.

Ezra noticed that JD and Buck were already present. He forced himself not to show any disappointment. He knew that it was unlikely that he and Vin would be able to share the midday meal alone, but he had hoped they would have that opportunity. Ah well, perhaps another day.

He watched Buck and JD’s antics for a moment. He envied their close relationship. Ezra had never really had the opportunity to experience what it was like to have a younger brother to look out for, or have an older brother look out for him. And despite the lack of blood ties, Buck and JD were most definitely brothers.

"Hey, Ez." JD called to him.

"Mr. Dunne." Ezra nodded as he made his way to their table. "Mr. Wilmington."

"’Bout damn time you got up, Ez." Buck slid a chair toward him. "Was beginnin’ ta think you were gonna spend the whole day in bed."

Ezra rolled his eyes. "I fail to see the appeal for rising with the sun, Mr. Wilmington."

Buck grinned. "Well ya know what they say…early ta bed, early ta rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy an’ wise."

Ezra gracefully sat down, and shot a mocking look at Buck. "And tell me, Mr. Wilmington, what use have you made of all the wisdom, and wealth, this daily regimen has garnered you?"

JD laughed. "Yeah, Buck, where ya been hidin’ all that money?"

Buck stroked his mustache, and leaned back in his chair. "Well, now in ol’ Buck’s case it ain’t money or health that he gets, it’s animal magnetism. Ladies jus’ can’t resist me."

"Buck, you are so full o’ crap." JD stated firmly. Buck retaliated by trying to knock off JD’s hat. The young sheriff managed to duck out of reach just in time. He stuck his tongue out at Buck, making the tall cowboy laugh.

"If that’s the best you can do, Kid, I’m gonna have to teach you better."

Ezra didn’t want to contemplate what those lessons might entail. "Anything interesting happen in town while Mr. Tanner and I were absent?"

JD gave him a run down of who did what and went were. Ezra found it fascinating just how much the younger man could get out of one breath. He idly wondered if it were possible for someone to pass out from saying so much so fast, and breathing so little.

Ezra could tell immediately when Nathan and Josiah enter the restaurant. The ability to be aware of everyone and everything in the room while seeming to concentrate on something else was a survival trait he’d mastered years ago. He never let his guard down in a public setting, and rarely did it even in private. Ezra wouldn’t have lived as long as he had in his line of work without constantly monitoring his environment.

Buck greeted the new arrivals in his usual boisterous fashion. JD stopped relaying the latest news long enough to greet them as well. Ezra settled for tipping his head politely to both the healer and the ex-preacher.

Nathan took the seat opposite JD. Josiah clapped a hand on Ezra’s shoulder as he sat down in the vacant seat to Ezra’s right. "Ezra, son, it is good to have you back in town."

Ezra clamped down hard on his first, instinctive reaction when Josiah touched him. Over the course of his life, Ezra had found that unsolicited contact was usually the harbinger of pain. He was all too familiar with people laying hands on him to restrain, immobilize, threaten or inflict harm. Ezra could count on one hand the number of people who had touched him with the same degree of familiarity that Josiah just had, that hadn’t done so with the express intent of hurting him. Even his own mother had often only engaged in physical displays as a means of controlling him or as part of a con, not as a way of exhibiting any real maternal affection. Vin was a recent addition to the select few who’s touch he not only allowed but actively welcomed and encouraged.

Ezra forced himself to sit still, to not shy away, or violently remove the larger man’s hand from his shoulder. It was a credit to his ability to control himself that the others never saw the slight stiffening of his posture as anything more than simple annoyance. "Mr. Sanchez, I really must insist that you give up this delusion that we are somehow related."

Ezra narrowed his eyes, and looked pointedly at the hand on his shoulder. "And accosting my person will not change that fact."

Josiah laughed, patted Ezra’s shoulder and let go. Ezra knew it was futile to get the man to acknowledge his request, but he kept trying, unwilling to admit complete defeat on the issue. Why is so hard to honor a simple request? He has made it clear on more than one occasion that I am not what he would consider acceptable in a progeny, so why persist in calling me son?

Ezra studied Josiah for a moment. How can he not realize that continuing to call me son, ignoring my wishes, only serves to emphasize how little regard he has for me? If he thinks that calling me son will induce me to amend my habits and behavior in some effort to win paternal approval, he is sadly mistaken. Ezra sighed silently. It was an issue for another time.

"Hey, Ezra?"

"Yes, Mr. Dunne?"

"Tom Wilton said you and Vin brought in four dead men with ya when ya delivered Hoskins. Said ya brought in another guy too. Somebody named O’Brian."

"Yes, we did." Ezra nodded.

He tried not to think about the young man who had gasped out his last breath in Ezra’s arms. When he had devised his plan he had meant only to incapacitate Hoskins and his gang, not to kill them. In his darker moments, Ezra wondered if it made him a bad man that he regretted the death of the horse Vin had been forced to put down more than he did the death of the boy. At least the boy had a choice, the horse was never given that option.

"I thought you said you didn’t have any trouble." Nathan frowned, dark eyes watching Ezra suspiciously. "Four dead men, and an extra prisoner, don’t sound like no trouble."

"Mr. Jackson, what I said was that Mr. Tanner and I had not run into trouble we couldn’t handle." Ezra corrected Nathan quietly. "I never said there was no trouble."

"Sounds like ya handled it all right." Buck whistled clearly impressed. "If we’d known there was gonna be trouble more of us coulda gone with Vin. Don’t sound like the odds were real good."

Ezra smiled tightly, noting that Buck’s concern was for Vin not for himself. "Yes, I’m sure Mr. Tanner would no doubt have appreciated your capable assistance."

Josiah raked him from head to toe with hard blue eyes. "Either of you get hurt in this little dust up?"

"No wounds of significance were sustained by either of us."

"That isn’t the same thing as saying no, Ezra." Josiah growled.

Ezra smirked. "Most perceptive of you, Mr. Sanchez." He told Vin he never lied to him. He’d never lied to any of the others either. He just picked his words carefully.

Nathan glared at Ezra. "I haven’t seen Vin since he got back. He get hurt? That why you were takin’ care of Peso?"

Ezra cocked his head, unfazed by the black man’s hostility. "Why don’t you ask him yourself, Mr. Jackson?" Ezra casually waved a hand toward the door. Even with out looking he knew when Chris and Vin had entered.

Chris took the seat that positioned him at what could be considered the head of the table. Vin slid into the vacant chair next to Ezra’s left with his usual boneless grace. "Ask me what?"

"Did you get hurt?"

"When?" Vin looked at the healer, his expression completely innocent.

"Taking Hoskins to Bitter Creek."

"Nope." Vin looked at Nathan steadily, his clear blue eyes easily relaying the truth of that simple statement.

Josiah fixed his attention on Ezra, but directed his question to Vin. "Ezra get hurt?"

Vin shrugged one shoulder. "Jus’ a scratch. Nothin’ ta worry ‘bout." He cast a questioning look toward Ezra.

Ezra half-smiled. "It seems the good sheriff of Bitter Creek took it upon himself to inform our associates that we arrived with more in tow than just Mr. Hoskins."

"Ah." Vin nodded. His eyes sparkled with quiet humor. Ezra knew Vin was aware of the telegram Wilton sent. He’d known that the sheriff was planning to tell the others when they left Bitter Creek so they would know when to expect them back.

Chris looked around the table. "Knew ‘bout that even ‘fore ya got back. What’s the big deal?"

"No one said anything to me about four dead men and another prisoner." Buck declared, obviously put out at the thought of not being informed. "You just said they got there okay."

"And they did." Chris waved a hand to encompass both Vin and Ezra. "They got home okay too."

Nathan shook his head. "Damn, Ezra, ya could have told me that yesterday."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "I answered the question you asked, Mr. Jackson." He kept his tone and expression blandly neutral.

Nathan muttered something darkly under his breath that Ezra chose to ignore. Vin slouched further in his chair, and moved so he could bump his knee against Ezra’s. Ezra knew he was silently asking if there was a problem. Ezra bumped him back, and shook his head just enough to signal that everything was fine.

Ezra was somewhat relieved to get through lunch. It was a subtle, and sweet torture, to be so close to Vin and not to act on the urge to touch him more blatantly, to act normally. Looking for the silver lining, Ezra decided it was a good test of his skills. It was a challenge, and a part of him honestly delighted in exercising his skills. Never had to work so hard to stay sharp before.

Buck pushed his plate away with a satisfied sigh. He patted his stomach. "Man, that was good grub." He pushed his chair from the table getting ready to leave. "Guess I better get on patrol. Vin, which way did ya ride this mornin’?"

Afternoon patrol generally consisted of visiting those ranches that weren’t already checked on that morning. Vin had circled to the west and north. Buck would take a route that went east and south.

JD got ready to leave as well, giving Buck a playful jostle as he got to his feet. "I’ll be in the jail if any o’ ya need me."

Buck shoved back. "Now why would anyone need ya kid? Town’s been quiet for more’n two weeks."

The two men left arguing good-naturedly as they did so. Ezra withdrew his pocket watch and checked the time. It was nearly one o’clock. "If you gentlemen will excuse me, I must also take my leave. I have an appointment to keep this afternoon."

Nathan pursed his lips. "Something you been plannin’ with the children?"

Ezra knew Nathan had been listening in the stable, so his question didn’t come as a surprise. "Yes, as a matter of fact."

Deciding to pre-empt any objections or condemnations from the healer, Ezra made an offer. He often found the best defense was to attack. "You are welcome to come along if you wish."

Chris regarded him with surprise. "You doin’ something with kids?"

Might as well inform everyone now. Deal with all the recriminations at once. I’m sure Vin will have no objections since he was willing to let me assist in his desire to become literate. Hmmm, I just realized he was my first pupil. But the others…well, no time like the present to find out. Let the chips fall where they may.

"Mrs. Potter was concerned that Joshua and Cecilia had not received any formal instruction for several years. She came to me and wanted to know if I would be willing to act as a temporary, surrogate instructor until a more suitable teacher could be found and induced to stay in Four Corners."

"Why’d she pick you?" Nathan asked. He looked genuinely interested and more than a little surprised.

Ezra shrugged. "You’d have to ask the lady yourself to ascertain all her reasons, but she led me to believe that she considered me to sufficiently well educated and more than able to pass on rudimentary instruction to her children."

Ezra brushed one hand down his sleeve, pretending to remove imaginary dust, but in reality, checking his derringer. It was a habit so ingrained he didn’t actually think about it. Every time he adjusted his clothing, he was routinely checked his weaponry to be sure of it was within easy reach and ready to fire. It also let him keep his hands busy without actually making any gestures that might be perceived as nervous.

"What ‘bout the others I saw ya with yesterday?"

"When several other mothers in our fair hamlet, were bemoaning the lack of a qualified teacher and the uneducated state of their children, Mrs. Potter suggested they join Joshua and Cecilia in receiving lessons from me."

Chris raised an eyebrow. "Jus’ how long have you been doing this?"

Ezra paused to consider that question. He hadn’t really even thought about it until Chris asked. He shifted a bit, and felt more relaxed when he could feel just the faintest touch of Vin’s hand on his thigh. It was reassuring to have Vin there, and know that the Texan would see nothing wrong with him teaching the children, even if the others found his actions suspect.

"The Potter children, approximately three months. Jennifer and Sarah Thomas joined in a month or so after that. The Kowalski twins were included shortly after the family arrived. Samuel Wilson is the most recent addition. His mother felt that he was now old enough to begin undertaking some form of schooling."

"Seven children in all." Josiah noted.

Chris frowned. "There are more kids in town than that."

Ezra nodded. At last count there some fifteen children in town, not to mention another twelve that lived on the outlying ranches. "Indeed. More than enough to warrant having an actual school house and a certified teacher. Mrs. Potter has assured me that she and the others are diligently working toward finding someone eminently more qualified."

Chris shook his head. "That wasn’t what I meant. I meant, why aren’t you teaching the rest of them?"

Ezra raised an eyebrow. That wasn’t a question he’d expected, not at all. He shrugged one shoulder. "I am only teaching the ones who’s mothers have requested that I do so. I was under the impression that Mrs. Potter had taken it upon herself to inform every mother in town that she had engaged my services. Having not spoken to any of the others, I can only assume they are choosing to wait for a more appropriate instructor to arrive." Someone with a less questionable profession and reputation no doubt.

Chris raised an eyebrow at that. "How long ya think it will take them to find someone?"

"I have no idea, Mr. Larabee." Ezra honestly didn’t know how one went about acquiring a certified teacher. He wasn’t even sure what channels to go through. It was why he’d left that task to someone better able to undertake it, Mrs. Potter.

"How often do you do this?"

"I have tried to spend a few hours a day with them. Allowing, of course, for my other obligations." Ezra smiled slightly and tipped his head toward Chris. He didn’t want Chris to think he had shirked the other duties he had been assigned.

"What do you teach the little ones, son?"

Ezra chose to ignore being called ‘son’. "For the most part I have focused on the basics. Reading, writing and arithmetic. Occasionally, I have discussed history and some science with them. Today we will be having a lesson in geography."

Vin spoke up for the first time. "Geography?"

"Specifically, it is the study of the earth and its topographic features, as well as man made points of interest like cities and railroads."

"Maps." Vin declared with a smile.

Ezra smiled back warmly, pleased with how quickly Vin had translated what he said into something he understood. "Exactly. In this case we will be looking at maps of the United States. Mr. Lovitt has recently acquired several new maps, and has graciously agreed to allow the children an opportunity to study them."

Nathan frowned and then raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Lovitt? The bank manager?"

"The one in the same." Ezra nodded.

"Where do you hold these classes?" Josiah questioned. He sat forward, clearly interested.

"Mrs. Potter has set up a place in her store room to accommodate the children. It is adequate until something more suitable can be constructed. Although, for today we will be utilizing Mr. Lovitt’s office."

"Yer takin’ the kids ta the bank?" Vin looked puzzled. "Wouldn’t a thought that would be a good idea."

"Ordinarily, you would be correct, but today is Wednesday." Ezra stated. "The bank usually closes early today to allow Mr. Lovitt, and his associate, Mr. Neville, the opportunity to review the books and go over the week’s business. With no customers to deal with, he seemed to think use of his office would not be a problem. And this ensures that his maps do not actually leave the premises. I have been given to understand that they are rather costly."

Ezra pushed back his chair, and moved to stand. "Now, I really must be going or I will be late. The children are expecting me."

"Ezra?"

"Yes, Mr. Jackson?"

"That invitation still open?"

Ezra wondered about the hesitant nature of the question. It wasn’t like Nathan to be unsure about much of anything. Odd. Ah well, no matter. I’m certain he wants to keep an eye on me and ensure I do not unduly corrupt the children.

"But, of course." He waved a hand toward the door, indicating Nathan should precede him. Ezra very subtly let his hand ghost across the back of Vin’s chair. His hand moving in a quick caress from one shoulder to the other as he left.

Together, he and Nathan made their way down the boardwalk to Mrs. Potter’s store. The children were all eagerly awaiting his arrival. Mrs. Potter looked up from her counter when they entered.

Mrs. Potter patted her hair in place with a quick, deft touch. She came forward from behind the counter, moving with a grace that belied her age. She held out a hand to Ezra, and he gently took it, bowing to kiss the back of her hand.

"Mrs. Potter, I see this day finds you as lovely as ever."

Mrs. Potter smiled warmly. "Mr. Standish, I’m so glad you could make it. The children were worried that you might have been unable to."

Ezra tipped his head to the seven small individuals all trying hard to restrain their excitement. He smiled to see them lined up and ready to go, each one holding their copybooks and a pencil. Rather puts me in mind of JD. I can’t remember if I was ever that eager.

"Did I not tell you I would be here?"

Jenny nodded, speaking for the group. "Yes, you did Mr. Ezra."

Sarah spoke up. "But sometimes yer busy doin’ other stuff."

Ezra nodded. "Very true. But a gentlemen would have sent word if he were unable to keep an appointment. It is only the polite thing to do. I do, however, apologize for my tardy arrival. I was unavoidably detained."

Sammy grinned. "I knew you were comin’."

Ezra chuckled. "I am most gratified by your faith in me, Samuel. Are you all ready then?"

"Yes, Mr. Ezra." Came from seven different voices.
"Excellent." He nodded toward Nathan. "Children, I know you all know Mr. Jackson. Would any of you have any objections if he accompanies us today?"

David Kowalski looked up at Nathan. "You wanna learn ‘bout geography too?" The child was clearly awed to find an adult wanting to learn the same things he was.

Nathan smiled at the little red haired boy. "Ezra tells me that is what y’all will be studying today. I could use a some brushin’ up on my skills, refresh my memory and the like."

Ezra looked at each child in turn. "Objections? No? Well then, let us be off." He tipped his hat to Mrs. Potter. "M’lady. I bid you good day."

Mrs. Potter nodded her head graciously. "I will be expecting them back in two hours, Mr. Standish. Josh and CeCe have some chores they need to finish."

Ezra nodded. He held out a hand and Sammy took it. Jenny took David’s hand, and Sarah took Danny’s. Josh held out an arm, offering it to Cecilia, as a young man should to escort a lady. Cecilia grinned, and curled her hand around the inside of his elbow exactly as a young lady should.

"Mr. Ezra, " Sammy pulled at his hand, "Mr. Nathan doesn’t have a partner."

Ezra cocked his head to one side. "You are correct, Samuel. That will never do." He looked to the children, and Jenny quickly moved to one side of Nathan, and David to the other. Smiling broadly, they both held out a hand for him to take.

"Excellent." Ezra grinned, sharing an amused look with Nathan. "Problem solved."

Ezra and his charges, with Nathan in the center, made their way to the First National Bank. Ezra opened the door. In another ten minutes the bank would be closing down for the day. They would have the place to themselves. More or less. Not counting Mr. Lovitt, and Mr. Neville.

Mr. Earnest Neville was in the process of ushering the remaining customers out the door. He was a slender man, shorter than Ezra by a good three inches, and nearly twice his age. He reminded Ezra of a pixie. A gentle soul, that in the past year, Ezra had never heard raise his voice, or be out right rude to anyone. Not something that was easy to do given the sometimes irate clientele he had to deal with.

"Mr. Lovitt will be with you momentarily, Mr. Standish."

Ezra nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Neville. We will wait over there." Ezra pointed to a small waiting area on the left. There were several chairs and Ezra had each child pick one, getting them to sit quietly. Nathan casually leaned against the wall.

Ezra crouched down in front of the children, putting himself at eye level. "Now, you must remember that Mr. Lovitt is a busy man. He has been very kind to allow us the use of his maps. We must remember to thank him, and above all to comport ourselves with due decorum."

"What’s d-d-decorum?" Danny asked.

"It means to act with good manners, and conform to the behavior polite society expects."

Mr. Lovitt came out of his office smiling. He was a balding, portly man, generally thought of as having a jovial nature. Ezra knew him to be a shrewd business man who’s good humor was more for show than real feeling. But he didn’t doubt the man would be cordial to the children. I’ll make certain of that.

Mr. Neville had just shooed the last customer out the door. He was getting ready to lock it when the door was suddenly, and forcefully, pushed open by a man who was easily as big as Josiah if not bigger.

"I’m sorry, sir, the bank is closed. You’ll have to--"

The large man slapped Neville nearly driving the petite man to the floor with the force of the backhanded blow. Three other men followed in close behind him. All were brandishing weapons.

The large man glared at Mr. Neville. "Don’t try anythin’ stupid, little man." He called over his shoulder. "Cal, lock that door. An’ draw them shades."

Nathan pushed off from the wall, intent on stopping them, when one of the men leveled a shotgun in his direction. Ezra was quick to note that the man was tall, and thin to the point of being emaciated. But what got his attention were the wild, crazy eyes. Not sane, this one.

Having made a living out of reading people, he knew the man was not going to stop at simply brandishing the weapon. He had every intention of firing. Ezra rushed forward, tackling Nathan just in time. Instead of killing the healer, the shotgun blast blew out the window. The sound of it reverberated around the room.

Jenny, Sarah and Cecilia screamed. All of the children slid out of their chairs to cower on the floor, and huddle close together. Mr. Lovitt ducked behind the counter. Ezra patted Nathan’s shoulder, trying to find out if he had been in time to prevent the healer any injury. He was reassured when Nathan rolled to look at him and let him know he was okay.

"Thanks, Ezra."

"Your welcome." Ezra smiled but quickly turned his attention back to the armed men in front of them. They were all young, probably in their early twenties at most. He didn’t recognize any of the men.

Good. Perhaps they will not recognize myself or Nathan either. It would not improve our situation any if they knew we were members of the peacekeeping force of this town.

"Damn it, Otis." The large man berated his wild-eyed companion. "I told you not to fire that thing ‘less ya had to."

Otis scowled. "Ya saw that nigger comin’ fer me, Clem."

The large man raised a fist as though he were going to hit Otis. He held back when Otis cowered way and whined. "Ya saw him, Clem. He was comin’ fer me."

"Cal, Jack…you two keep watch out front. Somebody will have heard that damn blast." Clem snarled. "Was gonna be simple. Jus’ come in here while the bank is closein’ up. Empty the safe, tie up the manager and the little man, and we could leave. Quiet like. No muss. No fuss. No one gets hurt. We’d be gone ‘fore anyone even knew we’d been here. But, no…you damn idiot. You gotta let the whole town know."

"Bank was s’posed to be empty, Clem." Otis whimpered. He pointed to where the children still cowered, and where Ezra and Nathan were slowly getting to their feet. "None o’ them were s’posed to be here."

Clem glared at him. He turned toward the counter. "Banker get yer ass out here where I can see ya. Keep your hands clear too."

He waited until Lovitt stood and came around the counter, before he turned his attention to Nathan and Ezra. He held a six shooter in each hand, and pointed one at each of them. "Who the hell are you?"

Ezra shifted slightly, making sure that he was between Clem and the children. He held up both hands, palms outward, showing he was unarmed. Well, at least not visibly armed. He still had is derringer, and today he had chosen to wear his Colt Richardson Conversion in its shoulder holster. His jacket effectively hid both weapons having been expertly tailored to do just that.

"Ezra Standish." He answered calmly. Ezra tipped his head toward Nathan who was also holding his hands in front of him. "And this is Nathan Jackson."

Clem grunted. He looked them both over. "Otis get the darkies’ gun."

Otis stepped forward, his expression gleeful. Nathan eyed him warily, and Ezra thought with good reason. Ezra watched the feral man the same way he would a rattlesnake. The man was even more dangerous because Ezra wasn’t sure he could predict his behavior.

Otis chortled as he took Nathan’s gun. "Uppity nigger." Otis raised a fist and punched Nathan. Ezra moved to intervene by a warning look from Clem kept him in his place. Under other circumstances he might not have been so easily dissuaded, but there were seven children behind him he wasn’t prepared to risk.

Nathan staggered from the force of the blow, but didn’t go down. He raised one hand to wipe the blood from his lip. Otis raised his fist to hit him again, when Clem yelled at him.

"Otis, enough! Damn fool. Get over there and watch the banker, and the little guy."

Ezra breathed easier when Otis moved away. He was relieved that it didn’t occur to them to search him for any weapons. At least one of us is still armed. That it better than nothing. He traded a look with Nathan.

"Mr. Jackson, are you all right?" Ezra whispered.

Nathan nodded, his tongue darting out to check his lower lip. Ezra wiggled the fingers of his right hand just enough to signal that he was still armed. Nathan tipped his head, almost imperceptibly. It was enough to let Ezra know he’d gotten the message.

Neville had moved to stand near Lovitt. Both men had their backs to the counter, and were fearfully watching the four armed men. Otis stuffed Nathan’s gun in his belt, and leveled his shotgun at them with an evil grin.

Clem glanced toward the door where Jack and Cal were watching the street. "Cal…Jack…Anyone movin’ out there?"

Ezra guessed the man who looked over his shoulder, back toward Clem to be Jack. "No one stirrin’ yet, Clem. Street is empty." His voice was high pitched and squeaky. Ezra wondered if that were his normal speaking voice or if it was a side effect of fear, or possibly excitement.

There was enough of a resemblance between Jack and Cal that Ezra suspected they might be related. Why is it always brothers? Did no one in their family have enough sense to see them employed in some other line of work?

Ezra knew the good citizens of Four Corners had weathered enough gunfights to make themselves scarce when shots were fired. At the moment, he wasn’t worried about innocent people outside the bank. He was worried about the innocents inside. He studied the robbers carefully, hoping to find a way he could extricate the children quickly and without injury.

He could hear the girls crying quietly behind him. Ezra glanced over his shoulder, and smiled at the children. He winked. He received tremulous smiles from all of them. Good. No panic yet. A truly sad state of affairs that children so young should become conditioned to violence.

Ezra forced himself to maintain his focus on the armed men. It wouldn’t do to let his concentration on the problem at hand lapse. No matter how much he would like to do more to console the children, his first priority was to get them safely away from this situation. That meant paying attention to the danger these men posed. Without ever taking his eyes off the four men, Ezra very carefully stepped back, putting himself closer to the children.

Clem threw a bag toward Neville. "Fill that." He ordered curtly. "Otis, go with him ta keep an eye one him."

Neville shakily made his way to the back of the room where the safe stood next to Mr. Lovitt’s office, its door still open. He bent down and quickly began to fill the bag. He kept shooting nervous glances towards Otis.

Clem looked Nathan and Ezra over. Dark eyes narrowed with suspicion and worry. "What are you doin’ here? Bank is supposed to be empty."

"I brought the children here to review maps recently acquired by Mr. Lovitt. They were to receive a lesson in geography." Ezra opted to answer truthfully. It seemed the wisest course of action for the moment.

Clem raised an eyebrow. "Dress pretty fancy for a teacher."

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "It is a temporary position."

He could almost feel Nathan silently urging him not to say anything to anger the giant. The others had accused him of being unable to control his mouth, letting it get him in trouble on more than one occasion, but Ezra rarely spoke without thinking. Things in this situation were too precarious for him to push as hard as he would like to.

Risking himself was one thing. This was altogether something different. He had every intention of getting out of this alive. The children were counting on him to get them safely away. It was also his job as a peacekeeper to ensure no harm came to Mr. Lovitt, or Mr. Neville. And I have not had nearly enough time with Vin. Not even close. I intend to share a lifetime with him, and these damn miscreants are not going to deprive me of that.

Clem grunted. He frowned looking at Nathan clearly trying to figure out how a black man fit in the grand scheme of things. "You with him?" Clem pointed to Ezra with his chin.

"Yes." Nathan’s answer was simple and straightforward. He shifted so he was closer to Ezra, incidentally hiding more of the children from immediate view.

Further questions were halted when Jack called to Clem. "We got trouble. Looks like three guys out front. One is all in black, one is damn near as big as you, an’ the other one o’ ‘em is wearing a badge."

Buck is on patrol…unless he has not yet left town. He may still be close enough to have heard the shot. Sounds like Chris, Josiah, and JD are all out front. Vin…Vin will be where he can’t be seen. Up high I would imagine. Where he can get a good view and a clear field of fire. Good. Ezra sent a silent prayer to what ever god or goddess would care to listen that Vin stayed safe. He didn’t want anything to happen to the tracker. He didn’t really expect any higher deity would honor a request from him, but he hoped that by making on the tracker’s behalf one might look on it favorably.

"You in the bank!" Ezra heard Chris shout. "Come out now and no one has to get hurt. Don’t make me come in and get you!"

Ezra rolled his eyes. The fine art of diplomacy is not practiced here in Four Corners. Really, Mr. Larabee, would it kill you to learn some tact?

"Jack, you watch these two, and them kids." Clem ordered, as he moved toward the door. He opened it enough to yell back at Chris. He was careful to stay hidden from view, not giving the men outside a clear shot.

"You stay right where ya are. I got people in here, kids, and I’ll kill ‘em if you try anything. You hear me??!!. Stay where ya are, or I will kill ‘em."

"I would advice against that." Ezra said. He had heard the faint whimpers of fear behind him when Clem mentioned killing the children. He had to find a way to get them out of here. The sooner the better. And since it seems decidedly unlikely I could talk them into just giving themselves up, I suppose the next best thing is to find away to convince them they could actually escape with the money without having to hurt anyone.

Clem had stated earlier the plan was to rob the bank when there were as few people present as possible. And while he had hit Neville, and let Otis strike Nathan, he had not really undertaken this operation with the intention of major violence. With any luck he can be talked into a peaceable solution.

Clem slammed the door, and scowled at Ezra. "I didn’t ask you for your advice, fancy pants."

Ezra sighed. He carefully folded his hands in front of him, doing his best to look harmless. He ignored the warning looks Nathan was sending his way. "Hurting the children will do little more than guarantee your death warrant. It would be better to use them as a bargaining chip."

"Meaning?"

"Let them go as a show of good faith. The town may forgive the loss of its funds, but it will not allow you to leave unmolested if you harm these children."

"We can’t, Clem. They’ll rush in here if we let them kids go." Jack said, his voice squeaking even more.

"Jack’s right, Clem. We’re safe in here ‘long as we have these kids." Otis stated.

Ezra regarded Clem steadily. "And just how long do you intend to stay here?" He asked dryly. "You can ask anyone, the men outside, Mr. Larabee in particular, are not known for their patience."

Ezra cocked his head to one side, studying Clem. He hadn’t heard them ride up, and there were no horses in front of the bank when he had entered earlier. That meant the horses were stashed somewhere in town for safe keeping, most likely behind the bank. "And your horses are not likely to go unnoticed for any length of time. The longer you stay here the better the odds that your mounts will not be where you left them."

"We could jus’ use ‘em as shields when we bust outta here." Cal offered. Unlike his brother, his voice was a smooth tenor. He looked uncertain. Cal kept shooting nervous glance toward the children. He didn’t look at all that enthused about his suggestion.

Not a seasoned or hardened desperado. Even better. Ezra raised and eyebrow. "How long would you use them? You cannot hide behind them for very long."

"Don’t need them for long. Jus’ ‘til we get to our horses."

Ezra shook his head. "Do you honestly think the three men out there will simply let you ride away. That they could not or would not follow you?"

"We could jus’ take the kids with us. Make sure they don’t."

"That will only guarantee a sizeable manhunt. Surely, you aware that the good citizens will follow you with the intention of retrieving their progeny."

Clem frowned. "You think lettin’ them go will keep them from bustin’ in here?"

Ezra pursed his lips. "You would still have four hostages you could use to guarantee your safety."

"Shut the hell up, Standish." Lovitt hissed from his position near the counter.

Ezra ignored him. Under normal circumstances he could understand the man resenting being viewed as a shield, but this situation was far from normal. "A show of good faith would make them less inclined to kill you out right."

Clem sighed. He looked hard at the children where they cowered. Large frightened eyes stared back at him. Ezra could see him waffling. Especially when Sammy’s lower lip quivered, and Jenny and Sarah continued to cry quietly.

Ezra seized the opportunity to offer some words of encouragement. "It’s all right, children. Don’t worry."

Josh hugged his sister. "See, CeCe, it’ll be okay. Mr. Ezra will take care o’ us."

Ezra sincerely hoped Josh’s faith was not misplaced. Clem shifted his weight. He looked at Ezra, sizing him up. "I watched this place for two weeks so I’d know the routine. Talked ta some people casual like. Knew the Bank closed early every Wednesday. Everyone leaves. Streets are pretty much empty this time o’day. Was gonna be easy."

Clem sighed and nodded toward the children. "They weren’t s’posed ta be here."

Ezra nodded. "I know. And they shouldn’t be here now."

Clem frowned. "Don’t really hold with hurtin’ kids. Ain’t right."

"Then do the right thing and release them." Ezra urged softly.

Clem straightened his shoulders. "Okay. Fancy pants, get ‘em ready ta go. You," Clem pointed at Nathan, "go ta the door and tell ‘em we are gonna send the kids out as a show of good faith. Tell ‘em no funny business or I change my mind. Still got four of you I can kill if they get stupid."

Ezra turned to the children. "All right then, little ones, it is time to affect your emancipation. Everyone stand up."

The children stood. Ezra smiled at them gently. He handed a handkerchief to Jenny and Sarah. "Dry your eyes now, Darlin’. That’s better. Ladies such as yourselves should not be seen looking less than their best."

"Now, I want Miss Cecilia to lead the way. Behind her I want Miss Jennifer, and Miss Sarah. Samuel, Daniel and David will go next."

Ezra rested a hand on Josh’s shoulder. "You, Mr. Potter will go last. I am counting on you to ensure the rest of the children get safely away from here."

Josh straightened, squaring his shoulders to take on the responsibility Ezra had just given him. "I’ll take care o’ ‘em, Mr. Ezra."

Ezra nodded firmly. "Good man." It wasn’t hard to picture Josh as a young man in a few years. "I want all of you to stay together. When you are all outside, move down the boardwalk until you are a few buildings away. Some one will no doubt come for you. Understand?"

Ezra waited until each child nodded his or her head. He then had the children lined up according to the order he’d set. They still eyed the armed men nervously, but remained quiet. Ezra took Cecilia’s hand ready to move with her toward the door.

Clem stopped him by leveling his weapon in Ezra’s direction. "You jus’ stay right were ya are Mister." Ezra let go of Cece’s hand giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze as he did. He could hear Nathan yelling out the door what Clem had instructed him to say.

Clem cast a glance toward the children. "You kids go ta the door. Cal, wait ‘til I tell ya ta let ‘em out."

Sammy looked at Ezra his eyes wide. He shot quick, fearful glances at Clem. "You gonna be okay, Mr. Ezra?"

Ezra was touched by the little boy’s concern for his safety. He cupped Sammy’s face with one hand. "I’ll be fine, Samuel. Just do as the man tells you and you’ll be back with your family in no time."

"What ‘bout Mr. Nathan?"

"Mr. Jackson will come to no harm." Ezra hoped he hadn’t just lied to the child. Once he got the little ones out of here then he could focus on Nathan’s safety, and his own. There was also Mr. Lovitt and Mr. Neville to consider. First things first.

Sammy nodded. Clem gave the order to Cal to open the door just enough for each child to slip out. Ezra waited silently, his face not giving away how anxious he was as each child slipped out. Please, Mr. Larabee, please don’t do anything stupid. Wait for each child to be safely away.

Ezra slowly let out the breath he had been holding. He didn’t breath again until Josh slipped out and the door was firmly closed again. Ezra had almost expected Clem or one of the others to keep a child behind. Doing so would have ensured not only his good behavior but also Nathan’s. Ezra silently thanked whatever Deity had been listening that Clem was a man of his word. Either that or simply to stupid to realize the opportunity when it presented itself. No matter. I’ll take what I can get.

He would never have forgiven himself if one of the children had come to harm because of him. It was his fault they were in the bank today. Ezra was pragmatic enough to realize there was no way he could have predicted four men would attempt to rob the bank today of all days, but he still felt responsible for putting the children in harm's way. Mrs. Potter really must find someone more suitable for this sort of thing.

Continue

Comments to: dragon00@chilitech.net